MSBs outperforming smaller and larger companies

MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES contributing £262bn to UK GDP in 2014 are delivering a stronger performance than smaller and larger companies, according to figures from accountants Grant Thornton.

Research from Grant Thornton’s Agents of Growth series reported higher annual growth in capital investment, gross profits, and salary during 2014.

MSBs reported average salary growth of 2.3%, compared to 2.1% for small firms, and 2% for larger businesses, and it’s estimated they injected £152bn into household finances throughout 2014 via total employee remuneration, Grant Thornton said.

Capital investment spending by MSBs was up 3.4% in 2014, compared to 2.4% and 2.8% for small and large companies, respectively. And their average annual increase in gross profits was up 4.9% (small: 4.4%; large: 3.8%).

Expectations for 2015 are also better than those of their smaller and larger counterparts. They are anticipating faster growth in turnover, exports, capital investment, and employment than the UK business population as a whole.

However, while MSBs have performed well, the research has shown a flattening in turnover, down 0.6% to £708bn, and dip in productivity of 2.7%.

“Added to the flattening in turnover and dip in productivity performance, it suggests more needs to be done to promote productivity and growth. Particularly looking at skills, exports and incentivising businesses to invest and innovate, said Scott Barnes, CEO of Grant Thornton UK.